The RenewaNation Review 2020 The Collingsworth Family Special Edition | Page 26

the outcome that this passage wants you to avoid with your family. God identifies three key methods that are central to pass- ing faith on to future generations (Ps 78:1-7). First, God provides a four-generation vision for families: fathers, chil- dren, children yet unborn, and their children (Ps 78:5-6). God wants you to think multi-generationally and gives you a large vision to leave a lasting legacy in Christ that will last for generations to come. The second aspect of a grandparent’s role is to tell God’s works: “tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord and his might and the wonders he has done” (Ps 78:4). To “tell” means to report, to count, to make known, to make a written record. God wants you to report to your grandchildren (the coming generation) what God has done in your life (His glorious deeds). Telling focuses on describ- ing the work of God and His nature with the hope that your grandchildren will be captivated by God and worship Him. God has given you a testimony and wants you to be a messenger using your life as the means to glorify God. The third method is to teach God’s law: “God has appoint- ed a law in Israel which he commanded our fathers [grand- fathers or forefathers] to teach…” (Ps 78:5). Teaching is a central element of a grandparent’s role. The Hebrew word “teach” means to instruct or guide. Guidance is a goal- oriented word. It suggests that there is a specific outcome you are working toward, and teaching is a method to that end. A good guide knows the end destination, shows others the path, and instructs along the way. Grandparents are to teach God’s law, which includes the following: • God is the source of morality. Your grandchild must develop the firm conviction that God determines right and wrong. • The gospel. Every grandchild has broken God’s law and needs the free gift of grace through faith in Christ. • Obedience to authority. Your grandchild must be encouraged to live in a manner worthy of the gospel in accordance with God’s commands (Matt 28:18-20). • The core truths of Christianity. The pattern of Scripture is for children of all ages to be taught the core truths of the Bible so that they will be firmly rooted in Christ and established in their faith (Col 2:7; 2 Tim 1:5). The overall aim of grandparenting is the salvation and sanctification of children and grandchildren. Psalm 78:7 speaks about this goal, “so that they place their hope in God and obey his commands.” God provides three methods to reach that goal: a multi-generational vision, telling His work through your testimony, and teaching obedience to God’s commands based on the Bible. Society communicates a powerful message that grandpar- ents are extras, not essential to the family. Nothing could 26 be further from the truth. If the history of Israel teaches us anything, it is that grandparents are critical figures in the faith formation of the young. I want to encourage you to take your cues regarding the role of grandparenthood from the Bible and not from culture. A grandparent’s main role is not to spoil a grand- child or be his or her companion. A grandparent’s purpose is not to indulge themselves during the last third of their life. God designed grandparents as disciple-makers for the purpose of passing on a heritage of faith to future genera- tions. May you pursue this task with much delight! ■ GRANDPARENTING RESOURCES Grandparenting (Grandparenting Matters): Strengthening Your Family and Passing on Your Faith by Dr. Josh Mulvihill gives you a biblical founda- tion for investing spiritually in your grandkids and walks you through the principles of influencing them for Christ. Available at renewanation. org/store and amazon.com. Overcoming Grandparenting Barri- ers (Grandparenting Matters): How to Navigate Painful Problems with Grace and Truth by Larry Fowler offers a helpful guide to influencing grandchildren’s spiritual lives even in the most discouraging and hurtful situations. Available at amazon.com. Christian Grandparenting Network (christiangrand parenting.net) offers resources such as blogs, podcasts, and events to help you build strong, healthy families united in God’s love and truth. Visit their website to learn how to form a G@P group (Grandparents at Prayer) and download prayer cards. The Legacy Coalition (legacycoalition.com) offers a variety of resources for families such as books, DVDs, and events. Visit their website to learn how to form a grandparenting ministry in your church.